Well it’s been exactly one month since we packed up our things and set out for Boston. At this point Oliver has lived here in Boston, almost as long as he lived at hone! What a weird realization. We are quickly learning the hot spots to eat and wander around, although I don’t think we will ever get used to the traffic. 

Oliver has been out of the hospital 2.5 weeks now and he’s been improving everyday. The first week was rough. We were all adjusting to
life in the spica cast and he has an external bag helping to empty his bladder as it heals. There were some crazy days and a few melt downs. But all of that was forgotten the first time Oliver peed on daddy! He peed on him! Being boy parents, other boy parents often asked, “has he gotten you yet?” Our response was always a smirk and “well no because...” but now we can officially say, “Yes! 3 times”.

This is big news, and it proved that Oliver is healing very well! He’s perfect! We have visits at Boston Children’s hospital every week where they examine his belly and ensure us we are doing everything right and meeting all the checkpoints. Next week is a big one. On Thursday the doctors with 1. Remove the cast, and I’ll get to hold his little body against mine for the first time in 1 month! I’ll get to carry him to his testing. The tests are checking how his body responds to a full bladder. The tube will be clamped for periods of time to monitor his function. After that they will give us a FRESH cast, you can imagine what this one looks like now, he is a baby you know and his diaper is technically open. Use your imagination! But we’ve done our best! 

The days following this test will include Cody and I clamping the tube for longer stretches and monitoring him. If all looks good and the doctors feel Oliver’s body is doing what it should the tube will come out! No more bag hanging around! After that we have to hope for no infections and wait for the day we can take him out of the spica for good! We have been giving Oliver wash cloth baths, which he seems to enjoy, but only for a limited time. I can’t wait to get him into the tub and wash him up good for a real bath, then dunk him in lotion. Being in a cast for so long does nothing for new baby skin! 

Overall things are improving and that brings Cody and I so much joy! We are spending so much time with Oliver, talking to him, laughing with him and watching his little personality develop. Even though this is not our ideal situation, we can be thankful for this time we are spending together. The three of us in one little hotel room! The ups, the downs, and every little second in between!